According to a report in The Daily Mail, a lawsuit has been filed by a woman claiming to be an ex-girlfriend of Zion Williamson, accusing him of rape and abuse in a pattern that went on for years. This is a civil lawsuit and, at this point, Zion has not been charged with any crimes related to these allegations. Here is what we know so far (Trigger Warning).
Details of the Zion Williamson lawsuit
The Daily Mail obtained a copy of the lawsuit for their report and included the following details:
Williamson is accused of two separate incidents of rape and "abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff." The alleged rapes both occurred in 2020.
The alleged relationship between the Plaintiff and Williamson began in 2018 while he was still at Duke and extended up to 2023, which would have been either his fourth or fifth season in the NBA, depending on what month the relationship ended.
In addition to the two alleged incidents of rape, which are described in some detail by The Daily Mail, Williamson is accused of 'threatening her life and the lives of her family,' as well as 'sexual, physical, emotional and financial' abuse.
Zion Williamson's personal life
This is not the only time chaotic details from Williamson's personal life have spilled into the public eye. In 2023, it was reported that he was expecting a baby with a woman named Ahkeema Love. That was quickly followed by scandal as adult film star Moriah Mills said that she had been having an affair with Williamson. She feuded with both Love and Williamson on social media, including threatening to release a sex tape that could cost him endorsement deals.
Love was then arrested in April for, "stalking, threatening and beating another woman romantically linked" with Williamson.
Responses from Zion Williamson, his agent and the New Orleans Pelicans
Williamson's legal representatives released a statement addressing the allegations, via the Defector.
"NEW ORLEANS, LA - We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we
unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless. This is the plaintiff’s third set of attorneys. This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.
Mr. Williamson and the plaintiff never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago, when he was 18 years old. That relationship ended years ago. At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns. Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars.
Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement. We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report, and we are prepared to provide the court with documentation that supports these facts. Mr. Williamson also intends to file counterclaims and seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.
While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court. We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson."
As of right now, there has been no comment from or the New Orleans Pelicans about the lawsuit or its allegations.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, theNational Domestic Violence Helplineprovides free and confidential support, 24/7. You can call 1-800-799-7233 to be connected.